Grayson County Fiscal Court on Thursday heard the first reading of an ordinance related to “uncontrolled danger and/or nuisance” caused by dogs on “private property of another.”
The ordinance is being considered by magistrates after complaints were received from a citizen concerning dogs on his property disrupting his hunting endeavors, according to County Attorney Jeremy Logsdon, as well as other complaints about loose dogs impinging upon private property.
The ordinance, in part, reads as follows:
WHEREAS, The Fiscal Court of Grayson County is (considering) this Ordinance to address the issue of an uncontrolled danger and/or nuisance to persons trying to enjoy the use of their own property.
SECTION 2 – TRESPASSING DOGS
No owner of a dog shall fail to exercise proper care and control of his or her dog in such a manner which thereby allows the dog to enter onto a prohibited (read: private) property.
It is a violation of this Ordinance, for an owner of a dog to fail to exercise proper care and control of his or her dog thus allowing said dog to enter onto a prohibited property.
SECTION 3 – PENALTY
Any person in violation of this Ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined no less than $100 nor more than $250 for each dog and each violation and any restitution to be paid in the amount of the reasonable costs associated with sheltering and caring for the animal if seized by Animal Control and stored, cared for, etc. by Animal Control or any shelter, and any restitution for any damage done to victim’s property.
SECTION 4 — CIVIL LIABILITY
No penalties addressed by the enforcement of this ordinance shall prevent a victim or an aggrieved party from seeking address under any civil cause of actions.
Magistrates unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance. The second and final reading will presumably occur at the next regularly scheduled Fiscal Court meeting on December 15.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
